Melanie La Rocca
Commissioner
NYC Department of Buildings

As Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, Melanie La Rocca regulates and promotes the safe and lawful use of nearly 1.1 million buildings and more than 45,000 active construction sites. As Commissioner, Melanie is furthering the agency’s efforts to create a culture of safety on construction sites and enforce laws to protect all New York City residents, workers, and visitors. Under Commissioner La Rocca’s leadership, the agency is redoubling its modernization efforts to improve response times, bring clarity and consistency to agency operations, and insist on the highest standards of integrity, both in the construction industry and within the Department.

Previously, Commissioner La Rocca was Vice President of Development and External Affairs at the School Construction Authority (SCA), where she oversaw the Authority’s Real Estate Group and worked with communities throughout the city to create new schools for the city’s children. As part of this work, Melanie played a key role in implementing Mayor de Blasio’s Universal Pre-K program.

Prior to joining SCA, Commissioner La Rocca served as Chief of Staff to Christine C. Quinn, former Speaker of the New York City Council, and was a member of Queens Community Board 1. She received her bachelor’s degree from Fordham University.

Commissioner La Rocca is a native New Yorker and a lifelong Queens resident.